Perfect Chicken And Bacon Rice Recipe: A Delightful Family Meal

Perfect Chicken And Bacon Rice Recipe is one of those comfort food classics that combines savoury, smoky flavours with the satisfying texture of rice. Ideal for a quick weeknight meal, it’s a delicious and filling Chicken dish that the whole family will enjoy. Whether you want to spice things up with added seasonings or keep it simple with just chicken, bacon, and rice, this Perfect Chicken And Bacon Rice Recipe is versatile and easy to make. I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make this tasty, Perfect Chicken And Bacon Rice Recipe dish!

Ingredients for the Perfect Chicken And Bacon Rice Recipe

• 2 boneless, skinless fresh chicken breasts (cut into small cubes)
• 4 strips of fresh bacon (chopped into small pieces)
• 1 cup long-grain fresh white rice (or brown rice)
• 2 cups chicken broth (or water)
• 1 medium onion (chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (or vegetable oil)
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup frozen peas (optional)
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley and egg (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Guide to Prepare the Perfect Chicken And Bacon Rice Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Bacon

Start by heating a large, clean skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Add the fresh chopped bacon and cook for at least 5–7 minutes until crispy. Once the bacon is cooked correctly, please carefully remove it from the pan and set it aside on a clean paper towel-lined plate to drain the excess grease.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Add the chopped chicken to the remaining bacon grease in the same skillet. Season the chicken with salt, fresh pepper, and paprika. Cook the chicken over medium-high heat for 7–10 minutes until it is no longer pink in the centre and is lightly browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add a tablespoon of fresh olive oil. Toss in the chopped onion and garlic, cooking for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes fully translucent and fragrant.

Step 4: Add the Rice

Add the rice to the skillet once the onions and garlic are soft. Stir the rice to coat it in the oil and vegetable mixture. Let it cook for a minimum of 1–2 minutes, stirring occasionally to toast the rice slightly.

Step 5: Add the Chicken Broth

Pour in the fresh chicken broth (or water if you prefer). Please bring it to a boil again, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet carefully and let the rice cook for at least 18–20 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.

Step 6: Combine Chicken, Bacon, and Peas

Once the rice is cooked, stir the cooked chicken, crispy bacon, and frozen peas (if using) into the rice. Cover the pan again and let it sit on low heat for about 5 minutes, allowing all the flavours to meld together.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Once everything is mixed, taste and adjust the seasoning with extra salt and pepper, and garnish with some freshly evenly chopped parsley and a fried egg for a pop of colour and freshness.

Serving and Enjoying the Perfect Chicken And Bacon Rice Recipe

Ladle the warm rice into bowls to serve the Perfect Chicken And Bacon Rice Recipe. Sprinkle extra parsley on top for brightness. Enjoy this comforting Perfect Chicken And Bacon Rice Recipe dish with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal. Every spoonful contains rich flavours from bacon, tender chicken, and savoury rice.

Here are some Chef’s tips to help you make the Perfect Chicken And Bacon Rice Recipe even better

1. Choose the Right Chicken Cut

Boneless, skinless fresh chicken breasts work great for this Chicken recipe, but chicken thighs can add more flavour and tenderness. They are juicier and won’t dry out as quickly during cooking.

2. Use Chicken Broth for Extra Flavor

While water will work, chicken broth (preferably low-sodium) infuses the rice with more depth of flavour. It’s an easy way to elevate your dish with minimal effort.

3. Crisp the Bacon to Perfection

For the crispiest bacon, cook it in a cold pan and gradually increase the heat. This slows the fat rendering and helps the bacon crisp evenly without burning.

4. Season at Every Step

Don’tDon’tDon’t just season the chicken and rice. Add a little salt and pepper when you cook the onions and garlic. Layering your seasoning ensures the dish is flavorful throughout.

5. Toast the Rice for Extra Flavor

After sautéing the onions and garlic, toast the uncooked rice in the skillet for 1-2 minutes. This simple and effective step gives the rice a nutty flavour and adds a more profound richness.

6. Let the Rice Rest

After cooking, cover the rice and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. This allows the rice to finish cooking with steam and become fluffy.

7. Add Veggies for Color and Nutrition

Frozen peas, corn, or bell peppers can be added for added colour, texture, and nutrition. These enhance the dish’s visual appeal and balance out the rich flavors of the bacon and chicken.

8. Keep the Bacon Flavorful

If you want the bacon flavour to penetrate the rice, save some bacon fat in the pan when you remove the cooked bacon. This will add richness to the rice when you cook it.

9. Customize with Your Favorite Seasonings

Experiment with seasonings such as paprika, garlic powder, or a squeeze of lemon juice for a citrusy kick. Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce if you want more heat.

10. Make it a One-Pot Meal.

To save time and clean up, cook everything in one skillet. After sautéing the chicken and bacon, add the rice and broth, cover, and let it simmer. It’s an easy way to combine the flavours and reduce the pans you need to clean!

By following these tips, you can elevate your Perfect Chicken And Bacon Rice Recipe and make it even more flavorful, delicious, and satisfying. Enjoy cooking!

Here is the approximate nutrition information for a typical Perfect Chicken and Bacon Rice Recipe, based on a standard serving size of one portion (about 1 cup) made with chicken breast, bacon, and essential ingredients like rice, vegetables, and seasonings.

Nutrition Information for the Perfect Chicken And Bacon Rice Recipe (per serving)

Nutrient Amount

Calories 450-500 kcal

Protein 30-35g

Fat 20-25g

Saturated Fat 6-8g

Cholesterol 75-90mg

Carbohydrates 40-45g

Fiber 2-3g

Sugars 2-5g

Sodium 600-700mg

Potassium 400-500mg

Vitamin A 5-8% of daily value

Vitamin C 6-10% of daily value

Calcium 2-4% of daily value

Iron 8-10% of daily value

Breakdown by Ingredients

• Chicken Breast (4 oz): ~180-220 calories, 35g protein, 4g fat, 75-90mg cholesterol.
• Bacon (2 strips): ~80-100 calories, 6-8g fat, 10-15mg cholesterol.
• Rice (1/2 cup cooked): ~100-120 calories, 20-25g carbs, 1-2g protein.
• Vegetables (1/4 cup, e.g., peas, onions, bell peppers): ~20-30 calories, 4-6g carbs, 1g protein.
• Olive Oil (1 tsp for sautéing): ~40 calories, 4.5g fat.

Important Notes

• The calories and fat content can vary depending on the exact quantities (e.g. if you use more bacon or a higher-fat, higher-fat chicken cut).
• Rice is the most significant contributor to carbohydrates, while bacon and chicken provide the protein and fats.
• To make this Chicken recipe lower in sodium, use low-sodium chicken broth and unsalted bacon if possible.
• Adding vegetables like peas or bell peppers will slightly increase the fibre and micronutrient content (such as Vitamins A and C).

This information can serve as a general estimate and vary depending on the specific ingredients you choose and their quantities. For a more accurate count, it’s always best to input the exact ingredients into a nutrition calculator or consult product labels for precise information.

Here are some related recipe names for the Perfect Chicken And Bacon Rice Recipe that you can explore or adapt

1. Chicken and Bacon Alfredo Pasta

A creamy pasta dish featuring tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a rich Alfredo sauce.

2. One-Pan Chicken, Bacon, and Veggie Skillet

A simple skillet recipe that combines chicken, bacon, and vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and onions.

3. Chicken, Bacon, and Spinach Rice Casserole

A baked casserole with chicken, crispy bacon, spinach, and rice in a creamy sauce.

4. Bacon-Wrapped Chicken with Garlic Rice

Juicy chicken breasts wrapped in crispy bacon served alongside fragrant garlic rice.

5. Chicken and Bacon Fried Rice

A quick and flavorful fried rice with chicken, bacon, scrambled eggs, peas, and carrots.

6. Creamy Chicken and Bacon Risotto

A rich, creamy, and delicious risotto made with chicken, bacon, and Parmesan cheese.

7. Bacon Chicken Parmesan

A twist on classic Chicken Parmesan, where crispy bacon adds flavour to the dish.

8. Chicken and Bacon Quinoa Bowl

A healthier twist on chicken and bacon rice, using quinoa as the base, topped with a simple dressing.

9. Chicken and Bacon Stuffed Peppers

Bell peppers are stuffed with chicken, bacon, rice, and cheese and then baked to perfection.

10. Chicken and Bacon Mac and Cheese

A cheesy mac and cheese with crispy bacon and tender chicken mixed in for a comforting dish.

These recipes share similar ingredients like chicken, bacon, and rice but offer different twists and variations. You can quickly adapt these ideas for your next meal.

FAQs for the Perfect Chicken And Bacon Rice Recipe

Conclusion

The Perfect Chicken And Bacon Rice Recipe is a simple yet flavorful dish that combines savoury chicken, crispy bacon, and tender rice. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or a meal prep option for the week ahead. This Perfect Chicken And Bacon Rice Recipe dish quickly becomes a family favourite with its easy steps and delicious results. Whether you’re making it for a crowd or just a simple dinner for yourself, this tasty, delicious, attractive and delightful recipe is sure to please!